Testimonials

What I learned at the Al Somers and Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School and guys like Al, Harry, Dick Stello, Augie Donetelli, John Stevens (AL Supervisor) and Al Barlick (NL Supervisor) not only made it possible to acquire a position in the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues as an umpire, but have stayed with me long after my career. I just wanted to say thanks and encourage all young aspiring candidates to go for it and most of all…pay close attention to Harry; he knows what he is talking about

Damian Miguel Taylor

Harry's school churns out professional umpires the way Duke and North Carolina churn out NBA prospects. His school has trained more major league umpires than all the other umpire training schools combined.

Randy Rorrer

Where in the world can you find the baest of a certain profession teaching others to take their place? Wendlestedt Umpire School. The knowledge and experiences passed on by the best umpires in the world can be found only at this school. Whether you are serious about pursuing a career in professional baseball, or trying to improve your skills for advancement in the amateur ranks, there is no better place for you.

Jeffrey Knoebel, Class of 1991

I have Al Somers/Wendelstedt Umpire School to thank for my career as a professional
umpire. Thanks to all the hardworking umpires who helped along the way.

Tim Fischer

When I went to school in 2002, I had never umpired a day in my life. I learned more than I would have ever dreamed. I thought that I knew the game but soon found out how wrong I was. The instruction and staff was above all expectations. I know that they are there to make each individual a better umpire for whatever level of baseball they work. I would like to give all the instructors a round of applause for the best experience of my life.

No Name

Hey Guys, I attended the school in 2001! Thank you for molding me into the absolute best umpire I can be.
Thanks again!
 

Mike Griffin---Class of 2001

As a former student Class of 1971 , I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to my instructors  Al Somers, Harry Wendelstedt, Dick Stello, and Bill Rosenberry. They helped me become the best umpire I could be. I am still umpiring 32 years later. I have helped instruct umpires in our association the last four or five years, and I still use the basics that I was taught in 1971.
 

Ken Maurer

I just got done with my experience at Harry's school.  It was the best five weeks of my life.  I came with little experience and now have the confidence to handle anything that happens to me on the field. Thanks !!!
 

Brian Surrency

I was part of your 2003 class. I would just like to thank you for five fun filled weeks of learning about baseball and Umpiring.
 

Ben Schaefer
 

I attended in 2003 and it was probably the most amazing experience I have ever had in my life. I thought I knew how to umpire before I came down but
now I know how to umpire in the professional two man system. Thanks to every member of the staff.

Joe Edgley

Attending this school (92&95) was probably the BEST experience that I ever had, and the work that I was able to get from attending was with
one of the best organizations in NY State. Thank you Harry. You are STILL the best in my book!
 

Jim Eckerson

Just wanted to thank all of you who help train me in 1998 and 1999. I never umpired a ball game in my life till then. I am now a full time
umpire in the Frontier League (independent) and work and assign division III college ball.

Eric R. Sawchuk

I am from the 1990 class and just want to say "thank you!".  The fundamentals and techniques I learned at the school have kept me busy umpiring all these years and I am often asked by my Umpire Chapter for advice on working the plate or positioning while working the bases. Thank YOU!!
 

Don R Koether

I attended your school in 2003. I was fresh out of high school. I had been umpiring for 5 years and thought I knew a lot. After coming to your school, it helped enhance my umpiring and now everyone in my association comments on my mechanics. I even have a fellow Wendelstedt graduate in my association! I attribute my success to your staff. Keep up the great work!
 

Ryan Hartman

I attended your school in 2000 and 1998. The time that I spent there was something I will never forget. I learned so much from you and your instructors. I will always remember all of the good times that I had and the friends that I made. I am now an umpire for Division I and am getting quality games, and I owe it all to you and your staff.

Paul Fricker

Harry, In 1980 I attended your school at the age of 18- you said at that time it was something I would never forget. That comment to a "T" was correct. I just wanted to thank you again, its something I use every day in my life.

Paul Baetz

I went to Harry's school in 1985 at the age of 34. While I did not get a job in Pro ball, I came home and contacted every college within a hundred miles. They all gave me a look, and 22 years later I work a full DI schedule and post season tournaments - and I've been all over the world umpiring. Thanks Harry!

John Johnston

I was a graduate of the school in 2007 and I must say that it was the most amazing experience I have ever encountered. I thought I knew a lot about baseball and umpiring, but after the 5 weeks I was so surprised in what little I knew. I will be a returning student next year, and I must say from experience if you have just the slightest thought of wanting to become a pro umpire than I highly would attend this school. It will be the best 5 weeks of your life, I guarantee it.

Bryan Childe

I attended the Umpire School in 2000 and I just want to commend the professionalism and the expertise of your staff. I was 30 at the time I went to school and at 38 people coaches request me to call their games. I am a teacher in Mobile, AL and am considered to be on of the best umpires in this area. I have called some big games. Thanks.

Billy Combs- Class of 2000

Having never umpired a game previously to attending Wendelstedt umpire school it was a great experience and now doing high school and little league I get compliments every game on my voice, mechanics and everyone asks me how many years I have been umpiring.

J LaPan